More Scouting Trips in Oregon and Colorado

Lucinda and Jill spent several days last week trying to find us a better route from the Oregon Coast to the mid-Willamette Valley for the first day of our trip.  Gale, Lisa and Nancy had previously found the Smith River route between Reedsport and Cottage Grove which had seemed to be our best option, but it was 90 miles with two significant climbs - certainly not an easy start to our trip (especially with 3 more days of climbing!).  Lucinda and Jill found Hwy. 42 either from Coquille or Bandon to the Roseburg area, which is relatively flat, a good road, and only 70 miles - this seems to be a much better option.  Lucinda and Jill also scouted between Roseburg and Lakeview - we are still awaiting a report on that stretch of road.

Nancy has been visiting family in Colorado and decided to scout the area between Monarch Pass and Pueblo or Colorado Springs.  Our preference has been to ride to Colorado Springs rather than Pueblo because there is a lot more to do in "the Springs", such as either driving or taking the railroad up to the top of Pike's Peak, hiking in the Garden of the Gods, touring the Olympic Training Camp and/or the Airforce Academy, playing golf at Broadmore, etc..  We are planning 4 days of R&R at this stage of the trip (primarily to allow me to visit my family), and we prefer to be in a place with a lot of attractions.  Pueblo is an old steel town and has limited attraction for tourists.  As it turns out, there is significant road construction on the west side of Pueblo where the Adventure Cycling Western Express route guides you.  So, the decision is an easy one we will ride to Colorado Springs.  I am actually very excited about riding this part of the country.  There are certainly some VERY significant climbs and descents, but the views are spectacular.